Lining device



April 14, 1959 -c-. c.. LAssEN, JR' 2,881,523 v L'INING DEVICE Filed oct. 1, 195e y INVENTOR.l CARL C. LASSENJR;

ATTORNEY United States Patent C) LINING DEVICE Carl C. Lassen, Ir., Stratford, Conn.

Application October 1, 1956, Serial No. 613,195

11 Claims. (Cl. 33-37) The present invention relates to reports involving multiple tabulations in closely-spaced columnar arrangement, and particularly to a new and improved device for producing separating lines on such reports.

The modern concept of production control is one example of the employment of tabulating equipment for determining the condition of many phases of production, including forecasting the loads for production machines, planning of parts, determining shortages (late parts), `determining inventory, and figuring payrolls.

Reports from such tabulating equipment involve great lengths of closely-spaced columns of numerical Adata beneath suitable column heads. Not only are such machines incapable of handling decimal numbers, but the digits of the data as well as the length of the column heads vary widely from report to report. Heretofore, separating lines were laboriously drawn between adjacent columns since forms containing printed column-separating lines are impractical due to the fixed disposition of such lines which provide no flexibility with respect to column width or decimal location.

The principal object of this invention is to provide a lining device that will produce a large number of lines on a paper fed through it such that the weight of each line will be substantially the same.

Other objects include the provision of such a lining device in which a platen over which passes the paper to be lined is relieved at a point directly beneath the discs which form the lines on the paper; the provision of such a device in which are provided lining discs that are capable of individual adjustment to produce lines at any predetermined distance apart on a report paper passed through the device; the provision of such a device in which individual lining discs act independently of others .so that none affects the results produced by others; and the provision of such a device that is simple of construction and capable of sustained operation for long periods of time with a minimum of maintenance.

One phase of the present invention contemplates the provision of a lining device for tabulated reports wherein spacing of the lining elements can, with facility, be pre-set for any width of column or location of decimals within columnar data. The device generally may include power or manually driven adjustably spaced sprockets having the usual driving teeth that register with the perforated marginal edges of report paper. A platen may be provided between the sprockets that is capable of adjustment to any desired paper width and which platen includes a unique structural arrangement for supporting the report paper before and after it passes beneath a yseries of pre-settable lining discs, but provides no support of the paper directly beneath the points of -contact between the paper and the lining discs. Ink-saturated pads cooperate with the lining discs so that any color or predetermined form of line can be applied to the report paper at any location between its margins.

The above, as well asother objects and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following specification and accompanying drawings, in which:

2,881,523 Patented Apr. 14, 1959 ICC Figure 1 is a partial front elevational view of a lining device to which the principles of the invention have been applied; and

Fig. 2 is a sectional elevational view taken substantially along line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings, the principles of the invention are shown as applied to a lining device including a frame F in which is mounted a sprocket drive S that is driven by a handwheel or motor (not shown). A platen P is located relatively to the sprocket drive S so as to force report paper fed into the device into contacting relation with a series of lining discs L rotatably -driven by the means that rotates the sprocket Idrive S. Inking pads N are pivotally mounted above the lining discs L and provide a constant supply of ink that is transferred from them to the report paper by the lining discs L.

The frame F includes rectangular-shaped end members 10 (only one of which is shown) at each end of a base member (not shown), to the latter of which front and back members 11 and 12 are rigidly fixed. The front and back members 11 and 12 extend from the base upwardly to a point substantially below the top of the end members 10, thereby providing an opening 13 extending from front to back of an otherwise box-like construction that provides rigidity to the device.

The sprocket drive S comprises a pair of sprockets 14 (only one being shown) that are supported on a main `drive shaft 15 that is mounted in bearings fixed to end plates 10. The sprockets include a relatively wide flange portion 16 in the middle of which and peripherally spaced thereabout is a series of sprocket teeth 17 adapted to mesh with the perforations along the marginal edges of a report paper. Each sprocket 14 is held in a pre-set location along shaft 15 by a spring-pressed detent 15' acting on a flattened area extending throughout the length of shaft 15. This adjustable arrangement of sprockets 14 accommodates report paper of different width.

Each sprocket 14 also includes an integral pulley 18 having a concave groove in the outer peripheral surface thereof adapted to receive an 0ring 19 for a purpose to be described later.

The lining device L comprises a shaft 20, each end of which is journaled in a bearing formed within an L- shaped bracket 21 pivotally mounted by a shouldered screw 22. Only one of the L-shaped brackets 21 is shown in the drawing and it is in closely-spaced relation to the one end plate 10. The other L-shaped bracket 21 is in the identical position relatively to the other end plate 10 (not shown). Any desired number of lining disc wheels 23 is mounted on, and axially adjustable along the shaft 20. Each wheel 23 includes a line-making peripheral edge 24 and a boss 25. In order to provide a driving connection between each disc 23 and the shaft 20, a flattened area 26 is formed on the .shaft 20 throughout substantially its entire length. Each disc 23 includes a pin 27 extending radially through the hub portion 25 thereof and into contact with the flattened area 26 ou the shaft 20. A compression spring 28 surrounding pin 27 and located within the space formed between the inner periphery of the disc 23 and the flattened `area 26 of shaft 20 maintains the discs 23 in any axially adjusted position along shaft 20.

In order to produce rotary motion of the shaft 20 when shaft 15 is rotated, a pulley 29 is mounted on each end of shaft 20 (only one being shown). Each pulley 29 is adapted to be adjustably xed in axial position along shaft 20 by a spring and pin construction similar to that employed with discs 23. Each pulley 29 includes a concave peripheral groove adapted to cooperate with the 0ring 19 surrounding its corresponding pulley 18. Each pulley 29 also includes an integral spool 30 includ- 3 ing a concave groove which when in effective position straddles the teeth 17 on its corresponding sprocket 14 to maintain the report paper on the teeth 17 as it is fed by the sprocket 14 through the device.

Rotation of the main drive shaft 15 may be effected by rotating a knurled handwheel 31, or by a power drive through an electric motor and a reducing gear (not shown). The weight of the components mounted on the pivotal L-shaped brackets 21 maintains the pulleys 29 in frictional driving relation with the O-rings on the pulleys 18.

The platen P includes a plurality of sections that can be `combined or used alone to provide a resulting platen extending between the sprockets 14 for any desired width of report paper. Referring to Fig. 2, the front and back members 11 and 12 support, at their upper extremities, platen-supporting ledges 32 and 33. These ledges extend throughoutithe length of the members 11 and 12 for supporting one or more of the sections forming the platen P. Each section of the platen P includes a horizontal entering portion 34 that joins an arcuate portion 35 having a radius equal to that of the ange 16 of the lsprockets 14 so as to support the report paper between the sprockets 14 at a radius equal to that of flanges 16 of sprockets 14. The arcuate portion 35 is recessed at 36 directly beneath the lining discs 23 for a purpose to be described later. Each section of platen P to the rear of the recessed portion 36 extends horizontally and effects the removal of the report paper from the teeth of sprockets 14 as the report paper exits from beneath the lining device L.

The inking pads N may include a short pad device 37 for individual discs 23, or a longer pad device 38 for a plurality of discs 23. Each pad device comprises arm means 39 through which a rod 40 passes that is mounted in bosses 41 formed on the surfaces of L-shaped brackets 21 that face each other. Each arm 39, at its end opposite that through which rod 40 passes, supports a channelshaped sheet metal member 42 that grips a felt pad 43. rI"he construction and arrangement of parts are such that in operation, the arms 39 with their pads 43 pivot about shaft 40 and rest on the tops of discs 23.

Another rod 44 extending between bosses 41 on L- shaped brackets 21 is arranged so that pivotal movement of the arms 39 in a clockwise direction and for approximately 180 will support pads 43 in position where they can be saturated with ink.

In order to maintain the report paper in proper position as it comes into driving relation with sprockets 14, a rod 45 extends between the end plates 10 and beneath which the report paper is threaded into driving relation with sprockets 14. The paper is threaded between the platen `sections and the discs 23, thence outwardly over the horizontal rear portion of the platen P.

- Eromthe foregoing,V it is evidentY that as the report pape; passesy the vrecessed portion 36 of the platen sectigris,` pt rotrusions, 46. on each side'of recess 36 force the pa r into contact with discs 23. Although supported by prqtrusions 4 6' on each side of the recess 36,l the paper is.. unsupported; directly beneath the discs 23. This arrangement ensures that each disc 23 will nd its proper Vlocation relatively to the area of the, report paper with which it cooperates to thereby produce lines of substantially equal weight as those produced by all other discs 23.

When the device is not in use, it is desirable to prevent discs., 23 from engagingl the recessed portion of the platen sections between the protrusions 46. Accordingly, a `bar 47 is pivoted to the one end plate 10 by a screw 48 in position such that it; can be swungV beneath one of the lil-shaped brackets, 21 when the latter isirotated clockwise for a distance about pivot screw 22 suicient to remove` discs 23 from the location shown in Fig. 2.

Although the various` features of the new and improved lining-device have been shown and: described in detail to fully disclose one embodiment of the invention, it will be evident that numerous changes may be made in such details, and certain features may be used without others without departing from the principles of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. In an apparatus for lining report paper for tabulating machines, a feeding mechanism adapted to be rotated to feed report paper through said apparatus by cooperating with marginal perforations ofls'aid report paper; a lining device comprising a rotatable shaft and a plurality of individually adjustable lining discs mounted on, and adapted to be rotated with said rotatable shaft', a platen in cooperating position relatively to said feeding mechanism and said lining device and including means for urging said paper into contact with said lining discs without supporting said paper directly beneath said discs; and means for rotating said feeding mechanism and said lining device.

2. In an apparatus for lining report paper for tabulating machines, a feeding mechanism adapted to be rotated to feed report paper through said apparatus by cooperating with marginal perforations ofsaid report paper; a lining device comprising a rotatable shaft and a plurality of individually adjustable lining discs mounted on, and adapted to be rotated with said rotatable shaft; a platen in cooperating position relatively to said feeding mechanism and said lining device and including means in front and in back of, but not directly beneath said lining discs for supporting said paper in contact with said lining discs; and means for rotating said feeding mechanism and said lining device. y

3. ln an apparatus for lining report paper for tabulating machines, a feeding mechanism adapted to be rotated to feed report paper through said apparatus by cooperating with marginal perforations of said report paper; a platen in cooperating position relatively to said feeding mechanism and including an arcuate portion adapted to maintain said paper in cooperating position relatively to said feeding mechanism, a straight linear portion for stripping said paper from said feeding mechanism and a recessed portion between said arcuate and straight linear portions; a lining device including a rotatable shaft and a plurality of individually adjustable lining discs mounted on, and adapted to be rotated with said rotatable shaft; means for pivotally mounting said shaft relatively to said platen so that said discs engage paper being fed through said apparatus as it passes over the recessed portion of said platen; and means for rotating said feeding mechanism and said lining device.

4. Apparatus comprising in combination, a frame including a base having end plates and front and rear plates; a rotatable shaft journaled inV said end plates; a pair of driving sprockets adapted adjustably to be fixed to said shaftv at any predetermined axially-spaced position therealong; brackets pivotally mounted in aligned relation on the facing sides of said end plates; a rotatable shaft journaled' in bearings on said brackets; a plurality of individually-adjustable lining discs mounted on, and adapted to be rotated; with said bracket-supported shaft; a platen between said driving sprockets and supported by said front and rear plates; means adapted to be xed to said bracket-supported shaft at any point therealong and adapted to provide a frictional drive from said driving sprockets to said bracket-supported shaft; and means for supplying ink to the peripheries of said lining4 discs.

5. Apparatus comprising in combination, a frame including a base, having end plates and front and rear plates; a rotatable shaft journaled in said end plates; a pair of driving sprockets adapted adjustably to be fixed to said shaft at any predetermined axially-spaced position therealong; bracketspivotally mounted in aligned relation on the facing sides of said` end plates; a rotatable shaft journaled in bearings onsaid brackets; a plurality of individually-adjustable lining discs mounted on, and adapted to be rotated with said bracket-supported shaft; a platen between said driving sprockets and supported by said front and rear plates, said platen including an arcuate portion having a radius substantially equal to that of said driving sprockets, a straiglc.A linear portion for stripping paper from said sprockets as it is being fed through said apparatus, and a recessed portion between said arcuate and straight linear portions at a point directly beneath the points of engagement between said lining discs and said paper; and driving means between said driving sprockets and said bracket-supported shaft.

6. A stationary platen for use with a lining device having a rotatable sprocket drive and rotatable lining discs which platen includes a convex portion that is substantially concentric with the sprockets of said sprocket drive, and supports for paper to be lined, said supports lying in a plane that intersects the circumference of said lining discs.

7. A stationary platen for use with a lining device having a rotatable sprocket drive and rotatable lining discs which platen includes two parallel portions between which is a convex portion that is substantially concentric with the sprockets of said sprocket drive, and a concave portion that is substantially concentric with said lining discs.

8. Lining apparatus comprising a frame; a shaft journaled in said frame; a pair of sprockets adapted to be adjustably xed to said shaft at any point therealong; a pulley integral with each of said sprockets and having a peripheral groove therein; an Q-ring in each of said grooves; aligned brackets pivotally mounted in said frame; another shaft journaled in bearings on said brackets; lining discs adapted to be adjustably fixed to said other shaft at any point therealong; separate spool means adapted to be adjustably fixed to said other shaft at any point therealong, each including a peripheral groove adapted to be aligned with the O-ring on one of said sprocket pulleys, and another peripheral groove adapted to cooperate with the teeth on its corresponding sprocket; and a platen between said sprockets, the construction and arrangement of the parts being such that a driving relation is established between the spool means on said other shaft and said 0-rings yby the pivotal action of said brackets.

9. Lining apparatus comprising a frame; a shaft journaled in said frame; a pair of sprockets adapted to be adjustably fixed to said shaft at any point therealong; a pulley integral with each of said sprockets and having a peripheral groove therein; an O-ring in each of said grooves; aligned brackets pivotally mounted in said frame; another shaft journaled in bearings on said brackets; lining discs adapted to be adjustably fixed to said other shaft at any point therealong; separate spool means adapted to be aligned with the O-ring on one of said any point therealong, each including a peripheral groove adpated to be aligned with the 0ring on one of said sprocket pulleys, and another peripheral groove adapted to cooperate with the teeth on its corresponding sprocket; and a platen between said sprockets, said platen including a recess directly beneath said lining discs when the latter are in eective position to line paper being fed through said apparatus, the construction and arrangement of the parts being such that a driving relation is established between the spool means on said other shaft and said O-rings by the pivotal action of said brackets.

l0. Lining apparatus comprising a frame; a shaft journaled in said frame; a pair of sprockets adapted to be adjustably fixed to said shaft at any point therealong; a pulley integral with each of said sprockets and having a peripheral groove therein; an O-ring in each of said grooves; aligned brackets pivotally mounted in said frame; another shaft journaled in bearings on said brackets; lining discs adapted to be adjustably fixed to said other shaft at any point therealong; separate spool means adapted to be adjustably fixed to said other shaft at any point therealong, each including a peripheral groove adapted to be aligned with the O-ring on one of said sprocket pulleys, and another peripheral groove adapted to cooperate with the teeth on its corresponding sprocket; and a platen between said sprockets, said platen including two parallel portions between which is located a convex portion substantially concentric with said sprockets, and a concave portion substantially concentric with said lining discs, when said lining discs are in effective position to line paper being fed through said apparatus, the construction and arrangement of the parts being such that a driving relation is established between the spool means on said other shaft and said O-rings by the pivotal action of said brackets.

1l. In an apparatus for lining report paper for tabulating machines, a feeding mechanism adapted to be rotated to feed report paper through said apparatus by cooperating with marginal perforations of said report paper; a lining device comprising a rotatable shaft and a plurality of individually adjustable lining discs mounted on, and adapted to be rotated with said rotatable shaft; means comprising supports for said paper spaced circumferentially of said discs and located Within a plane intersecting the circumference of said discs whereby said paper is urged into contact with said discs by said supporting means without providing a support for said paper between said spaced supporting means; and means for rotating said feeding mechanism and said lining device.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 349,167 McAdams Sept. 14, 1886 672,528 Hunter Apr. 23, 1901 1,337,318 Iankower Apr. 20, 1920 

